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Another Day of the Lord is at hand. That means de-creation desolation for all nations opposed to Yahweh.

Remember: “The Day of the Lord” in Scripture does not refer to only one day or era, but relates to days or times when God exposes and eradicates evil. It’s a good day for the oppressed and for those who trust Yahweh. It’s a (very) hard day for those who depend on evil and use it for personal gain.

The stately stone cities of Philistia crumble into rubble. Weeds choke out the grain in Moab’s golden fields. Ammon’s fertile soil shrivels into a salted wasteland. Feral scavengers burrow into the ruined remains of Assyria’s palaces. Once more, visceral images of suffocation and death describe what happens when disconnected from Yahweh, the life-giver.

If these prophecies sound familiar, that’s because several of the same nations received a similar tongue-lashing from Amos.

In today’s reading, Zephaniah issues the same warning to the Southern Kingdom that Amos issued to the north more than a century prior: Israelites, if you follow after your violent, idolatrous neighbors, you’ll also share their fate.

When the Day of the Lord comes, Judah’s houses will collapse. The skies over Jerusalem will turn black. An act of divine refinement will bathe the whole Earth in flames that burn away wickedness to restore goodness.

Then this apocalyptic nightmare takes a twist. Instead of destroying all the non-Israelite nations, Yahweh’s fire will purify Israel itself, transforming the people into a united family. The Day of the Lord and all its intensity may have left them stunned and silent, but now the world resounds with spontaneous song. The faithful remnant sings out their praise to God, and Yahweh sings back his delight over his people.

Watch the video to learn about God’s passionate justice and love in the book of Zephaniah.

Reflection Questions

• Take a close look at Zephaniah’s genealogy at the beginning of the book. Do you recognize any of his ancestors? How do you think Zephaniah’s lineage might contribute to his prophetic message?
• Where else have you seen God use fire to purify someone’s lips? (Turn back to Isaiah 6 if you need a hint.) How does this hyperlink help you understand God’s promise in Zephaniah 3:9?